Growing tired of losing their family harvests to scorching temperatures and flooding, women in Los Lagartos, El Salvador began to reforest local lands by planting an “energy forest.” Over four dozen women now maintain mango, avocado, and nance (golden spoon) trees, in addition to plantains and trees that can be used for their firewood. With the help of an agroecology program run by the Association of Communities for Development, they are achieving food sovereignty and improving their energy security. These women are leading by example, exercising their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. Photo credit: Claudia Ávalos/IPS
